Selecting wire cross-section based on heating and voltage loss

Cable parameters are calculated when designing an electrical line. The thorough approach of the engineers guarantees high-quality and safe wiring, designed with a margin for the simultaneous operation of all electrical appliances. If you ignore accuracy at this stage and choose the wrong electrical cable, everything can end in a fire.

To prevent emergency situations that may entail significant financial costs, it is recommended to pre-calculate the cable cross-section depending on the length and power. You can do this in several ways:

  • using online calculators - software services that work on the basis of approved formulas;
  • according to the tables of the dependence of the cross-section of the wire core on the power and length of the line;
  • according to formulas.

Calculator for calculating cross-section by power and length

So that the task of calculating wiring parameters does not seem unsolvable to beginners, a calculator has been developed for calculating cable cross-section by power and length.

Convert Watts to Amperes
U, VP, WattPotential current, A
Calculation of the maximum cable line length
Uarb, VCurrent consumption, ACable typeS, mm2Length, m
1delete
Ubp, VUarb, VCurrent consumption, ACable typeS, mm2Length, m
1delete
Ubp, VUarb, VCurrent consumption, ACable typeS, mm2Length, m
1delete
Ubp, VUarb, VCurrent consumption, ACable typeS, mm2Length, m
1delete
add Notes: U - supply voltage of the video camera, P - power consumed by the video camera, Ubp - power supply voltage, Uob - minimum voltage at which the video camera operates, S - cable cross-section, Lmax - maximum cable line length

With its help, it is easy to determine the current consumption value of electrical installations, knowing the maximum power they consume. This parameter is usually indicated by the manufacturer directly on the device or in its passport. The supply voltage can be found there.

The maximum permissible line length is calculated for a specific cable type, which is selected from the drop-down list. Also included in the calculation are the values ​​of current consumption, power supply voltage and the minimum voltage at which the device is capable of operating.

The online calculator significantly simplifies the work of designers, reducing time for manual calculations.

Calculation of cable cross-section by load

At the initial stage, it is recommended to make an adjustment for the load. This was mentioned above, but let us repeat that situations rarely arise in everyday life when all energy consumers turn on at the same time. Most often, some devices work and others do not. Therefore, to clarify, the resulting cross-sectional value should be multiplied by the demand coefficient ( ). If you are sure that you will operate all devices at once, then you do not need to use the specified coefficient.

Table: Demand coefficients of various consumers (Kс).

Receiver nameDemand factor
Lighting of outdoor switchgear (open switchgear):
with one0,5
with several0,35
Room lighting0,6-0,7
TV0,7
Consumer electronics0,2
Fridge0,8
Washing machine0,1
Vacuum cleaner0,1
Transformer cooling0,8-0,85
Compressors0,4
Charging device0,12
Heating and electric heating1,0

Selection by table

When you need to determine approximate wiring parameters, having individual values, a table for selecting cable cross-section by power and length will come in handy.

Power, W)Current (A)1.5 sq. mm2.5 sq. mm4 sq. mm6sq.mm10 sq. mm16sq.mm25sq.mm35sq.mm50sq.mm70sq.mm95sq.mm
5002,3100 m165 m265 m395 m
1 0004,630m84m135 m200m335 m530 m
1 5006,833 m57 m90m130m225 m355 m565m
2 000925m43 m68m100 m170m265 m430 m595 m
2 50011,520m34m54m80m135 m210 m340m470 m630 m
3 00013,517 m29m45 m66m110 m180 m285 m395 m520 m
3 5001614 m24 m39m56m96m155m245 m335 m450 m
4 0001821m34m49 m84m135 m210 m295 m395 m580m
4 5002019 m30m44m75m120 m190 m260m350 m515 m
5 0002327m39 m68m105 m170m235 m315 m460m630 m
6 0002723 m32 m56m90m140 m195 m260 m385m530 m
7 0003228m48m76m120m170 m225 m330 m460 m
8 0003642 m67 m105 m145 m195 m290m400m
9 0004138m60m94m130m175 m255 m355 m
10 0004534m54m84m120 m155 m230 m320 m
12 0005545 m70m92 m130m190 m265 m
14 0006438m60m84m110 m165 m230 m
16 0007353 m74 m99m145 m200m
18 0008247 m65m88m125m175 m
20 00091160m160m160m160m

Knowing the total power of electrical appliances and the approximate length of the line, using the table you can determine the minimum permissible cross-section of the wire. Values ​​must be rounded up.

Example. The total power of the electrical devices is 4.3 kW, the line length is 40 m. Rounding these values ​​towards larger tabular values, we can determine that the wire cross-section under such conditions should be 6 mm2.

Calculation formula

The formula for calculating cable cross-section by power allows you to determine the desired value more accurately than using a table. This calculation option is recommended to be chosen in controversial situations, as well as in cases where the accuracy of the calculation is important.

If the line is long, the cross-section of the wire directly depends on its length. This is due to power losses due to the presence of resistance in the metal. As the cable lengthens, resistance increases and power decreases. To compensate for losses, it is necessary to select the correct wire cross-section. It

L – length of wiring, m;

I – load current of electrical appliances, A;

Ustart – supply voltage, V;

Ukon – operating voltage of electrical appliances, V;

ρ – resistivity of copper or aluminum, Ohm×mm2/m.

Knowing the power of electrical appliances, you can calculate the current using the formula:

P – power consumption of electrical installations, W;

U – supply voltage, V.

Calculation of the cost of electrical installation work

We all want to be mentally prepared to receive information about the cost of electrical work, even before the technician comes to draw up the final estimate. On our website you can find out how much it costs to install electrical equipment in an apartment or private house in accordance with your requirements and wishes. We suggest using an online calculator to perform the calculation, draw up a detailed estimate for electrical work and download the Appendix to Contract No. 1 in PDF format.

How to calculate the cost of electrical installation

There is no such thing as the price of one electrical point or the cost of electrical work per square meter. The cost of installing electrical wiring in our company consists of cable footage, groove footage, number of sockets and switches. Simple arithmetic, transparent prices for electrician services, these are the main principles of our work. You pay only for the volume of services provided, no extra overpayments. Our prices for electrical installation work are fixed and valid for . The price remains unchanged throughout the entire project, which eliminates unexpected “surprises” for the customer, who is focused on a specific cost announced at the beginning.

Discount on the total cost of work

Amount of discount

Order priceDiscount
from 40,000 ₽ *5%
from 80000 ₽ *7%
from 160000 ₽ *10%

*Order more, pay less. For a one-time order of electrical installation work from February 14 to March 8, 2022, discounts apply (all prices in the online calculator are indicated without discounts). The discount is calculated automatically based on the total cost of the work.

How much does electrical installation cost?

If you already have a commercial offer from another organization, then enter the data into the online calculator and find out how much your order costs. Perhaps you will get a more favorable cost of work from.

How to make an online estimate

If you find it difficult to choose functions or their meaning, you need to consult an electrician, call daily from 9:00 to 23:00 by phone or write to WhatsApp around the clock. A specialist from the electrical installation organization “Home Electrician” will help you perform the calculations and answer any questions you may have.

NameUnitPriceCol.Sum
Dust-free chipping
Grilling plaster walls and other soft materials for cables. Strobe size up to 20x20 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.2500
Grooving under corrugation, plumbing in plaster, tongue-and-groove. Strobe size up to 30x30 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.3500
Grilling plaster walls and other soft materials for air conditioning, etc. Strobe size up to 45x45 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.4500
Chasing brick and aerated concrete walls for cables. Strobe size up to 20x20 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.3500
Grooving for corrugation, plumbing in brick, aerated concrete. Strobe size up to 30x30 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.4500
Chasing brick and aerated concrete walls for air conditioning, etc. Strobe size up to 45x45 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.5500
Grooving concrete and monolithic walls for cables. Strobe size up to 20x20 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.4500
Grooving for corrugation, plumbing in concrete, monolith Grooving size up to 30x30 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dustm.p.5500
Chasing concrete and monolithic walls for air conditioning, etc. Strobe size up to 45x45 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.8500
Grooving a concrete (monolithic) ceiling. Strobe size up to 20x20 mm (wall chaser and vacuum cleaner) without dust m.p.5500
Rough putty groovesm.p.900
Drilling for sockets
Drilling a hole for an outlet, a switch in drywall.PC.1500
Drilling a hole for a socket or switch in soft materials.PC.2500
Drilling holes for sockets and switches in brick walls and aerated concrete.PC.3500
Drilling a hole for an outlet, a switch in concrete, monolith.PC.4500
Installation of the mounting box (insertion of the socket box) into the finished hole.PC.1000
Three-core cable 220V
Laying a three-core cable with a cross-section of 1.5 mm²m.p.900
Laying a three-core cable with a cross-section of 2.5 mm²m.p.900
Laying a three-core cable with a cross-section of 4 mm²m.p.1200
Laying a three-core cable with a cross-section of 6 mm²m.p.1200
Laying a three-core cable with a cross-section of 10 mm²m.p.1500
Tightening of a three-core cable with a cross-section of up to 2.5 mm² (inclusive) into a corrugated pipe (corrugated PVC pipe, HDPE)m.p.300
Tightening of a three-core cable from 4 mm² to 10 mm² (inclusive) into a corrugated pipe (corrugated PVC pipe, HDPE)m.p.400
Five-core cable 380V
Laying a five-core cable with a cross section of 1.5 mm²m.p.1000
Laying a five-core cable with a cross-section of 2.5 mm²m.p.1000
Laying a five-core cable with a cross-section of 4 mm²m.p.1200
Laying a five-core cable with a cross-section of 6 mm²m.p.1200
Laying a five-core cable with a cross-section of 10 mm²m.p.1400
Tightening of a five-core cable with a cross-section of up to 2.5 mm² (inclusive) into a corrugated pipe (corrugated PVC pipe, HDPE)m.p.400
Tightening of a five-core cable from 4 mm² to 10 mm² (inclusive) into a corrugated pipe (corrugated PVC pipe, HDPE)m.p.600
Junction boxes
Drilling a hole for a junction box in drywall.PC.1500
Drilling a hole for a junction box in soft materials.PC.2500
Drilling a hole for a connection box in brick walls and aerated concrete.PC.3500
Drilling a hole for a junction box in concrete, monolith.PC.4500
Installation (insertion) of the junction box into the finished hole.PC.1000
Switching the junction box in the finished hole (hidden wiring)PC.5500
Switching the junction box in the finished hole (hidden electrical wiring) with crimping with sleevesPC.7500
Installation and assembly of the junction box (external, open wiring)PC.6000
Installation and assembly of the junction box (external, open electrical wiring) with crimping sleevesPC.8000
Low current cable
Laying the antenna cable (TV cable)m.p.900
Laying UTP twisted pair (computer cable)m.p.900
Laying audio, video cables, etc.m.p.900
Laying telephone cablem.p.900
Tightening a low-current cable into a corrugated pipe (corrugated PVC pipe, HDPE)m.p.300
Installation of cable channel
Laying a cable channel for electrical wiring. Size up to 25x40 mm inclusive m.p.900
Laying a cable channel for electrical wiring. Size up to 40x60 mm inclusive m.p.1500
Laying a cable channel for electrical wiring. Size up to 60x120 mm inclusive m.p.1800
Through holes
Through drilling of walls Ø up to 28 mm in concrete up to 20 cmPC.4000
Through drilling of walls up to Ø 28 mm in concrete up to 35 cmPC.6500
Through drilling of walls Ø up to 28 mm in concrete up to 50 cmPC.8000
Through drilling of walls Ø up to 28 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 20 cmPC.3000
Through drilling of walls Ø up to 28 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 35 cmPC.4000
Through drilling of walls Ø up to 28 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 50 cmPC.5000
Through drilling of walls Ø up to 28 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 100 cmPC.8000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 37 mm in concrete up to 20 cmPC.7000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 37 mm in concrete up to 35 cmPC.9000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 37 mm in concrete up to 50 cmPC.12000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 37 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 20 cmPC.5000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 37 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 35 cmPC.6000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 37 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 50 cmPC.8000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 68 mm in concrete up to 20 cmPC.12000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 68 mm in concrete up to 35 cmPC.18000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 68 mm in concrete up to 50 cmPC.24000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 68 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 20 cmPC.9000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 68 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 35 cmPC.13000
Through drilling of a wall Ø 68 mm in brick, aerated concrete up to 50 cmPC.17000
Sockets and switches
Installation of sockets, switches, switches (diagram 6) in the finished hole (hidden electrical wiring)PC.3000
Installing a cross switch (diagram 7), a two-key switch (diagram 6) into the finished holePC.4000
Installation of a computer or telephone socket in a finished hole (hidden electrical wiring)PC.3500
Installing an antenna socket in a finished hole (hidden wiring)PC.3500
Installation of sockets, switches (diagram 6), switches (external, open wiring)PC.3500
Installation of a cross switch (diagram 7), two-key switch (diagram 6) (external, open wiring)PC.4500
Installation of a computer and telephone socket (external, open wiring)PC.4000
Installing an antenna socket (external, open wiring)PC.3500
Connecting and installing a thermostat for heated floorsPC.6500
Installation and connection of a socket/plug for a 220V electric stovePC.7000
Installation and connection of a socket/plug for a 380V electric stovePC.9000
Installation and connection of a duct fanPC.7000
Installation and connection of an electric heated towel railPC.12000
Installation and connection of the bell buttonPC.2500
Installation and connection of the callPC.2500
Chandeliers and lamps
Installation and connection of a simple chandelier, ceiling lamp (without assembly)PC.6000
Installation and connection of a complex chandelier, ceiling lamp (without assembly)PC.12000
Installation of a simple wall lamp, sconce (without assembly)PC.6000
Installation of a complex wall lamp, sconce (without assembly)PC.9000
Installation and connection of an overhead spotlightPC.4500
Installation and connection of a built-in spotlight in a finished holePC.3000
Marking and drilling holes (Ø up to 100 mm) for a recessed lamp in plasterboardPC.3000
Installation and connection of a fluorescent lamp 2x18, 2x36, 2x58PC.6000
Installation and connection of a fluorescent lamp 4x18, 4x36, 4x58PC.9000
Installation and connection of a fluorescent lamp in the Armstrong ceilingPC.4500
Installation and connection of an illuminated mirror (width up to 60 cm)PC.12000
Installation and connection of an illuminated mirror (width from 60 cm)PC.18000
Installation and connection of a street lamp (spotlight) at a height of up to 3 meters.PC.9000
Installation of busbar, current bus, track system (depending on the complexity of the design)m.p.12000
Installation and connection of LED stripm.p.2400
Installation of a metal profile under the LED stripm.p.3000
Installation and connection of a 12/24 Volt transformerPC.4500
Installation and connection of a driver for LED strip and lampsPC.4500
Assembling a simple chandelier, ceiling lampPC.6000
Assembly of a complex chandelier, ceiling lampPC.12000
Assembling a simple wall lamp, sconcePC.4000
Assembling a complex wall lamp, sconcePC.7500
Installation of decorative elements on a chandelier, lamp (pendants, etc.)PC.250
Installation of trays and pipes
Installation of a metal tray (box) up to 200 mm inclusivem.p.3500.00
Installation of a cover for a metal box up to 200 mm inclusivem.p.500.00
Installation of a bracket for fastening a tray (box) up to 200 mm inclusivePC.2500.00
Installation of a metal tray (box) up to 400 mm inclusivem.p.4500.00
Installation of a cover for a metal box up to 400 mm inclusivem.p.600.00
Installation of a bracket for fastening a tray (box) up to 400 mm inclusivePC.2800.00
Installation of metal (steel) pipe Ø up to 40 mmm.p.2400.00
Installation of PVC pipes Ø up to 40 mmm.p.1200.00
Installation of HDPE pipes Ø up to 40 mmm.p.1000.00
Electrical panel installation
Installation and installation of a switchboard up to 6 modules on a turnkey basisPC.24000.00
Installation and installation of a switchboard from 7 to 8 turnkey modulesPC.32000.00
Installation and installation of a switchboard from 9 to 12 turnkey modulesPC.48000.00
Installation and installation of a switchboard from 13 to 18 turnkey modulesPC.72000.00
Installation and installation of a switchboard from 19 to 24 turnkey modulesPC.96000.00
Installation and installation of a switchboard from 25 to 36 turnkey modulesPC.144000.00
Installation and installation of a switchboard from 37 to 48 turnkey modulesPC.192000.00
Installation and installation of a switchboard from 49 to 54 turnkey modulesPC.216000.00
Installation and installation of switchboards from 55 to 72 turnkey modulesPC.288000.00
Niche for electrical panel
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 12 modules (concrete, monolith)PC.36000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 12 modules (brick, aerated concrete)PC.24000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 12 modules (soft material)PC.12000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 18 modules (monolith, concrete)PC.54000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 18 modules (brick, aerated concrete)PC.36000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 18 modules (soft material)PC.18000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 24 modules (monolith, concrete)PC.72000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 24 modules (brick, aerated concrete)PC.48000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 24 modules (soft material)PC.24000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 36 modules (monolith, concrete)PC.108000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel with up to 36 modules (brick, aerated concrete)PC.72000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 36 modules (soft material)PC.36000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 48 modules (monolith, concrete)PC.144000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel with up to 48 modules (brick, aerated concrete)PC.96000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 48 modules (soft material)PC.48000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 54 modules (monolith, concrete)PC.162000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel with up to 54 modules (brick, aerated concrete)PC.108000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 54 modules (soft material)PC.54000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 72 modules (monolith, concrete)PC.216000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel with up to 72 modules (brick, aerated concrete)PC.144000.00
Construction of a niche for an electrical panel of up to 72 modules (soft material)PC.72000.00
Replacing machine guns in a shield
Installation and connection of a single-pole circuit breakerPC.4000.00
Installation and connection of a two-pole machinePC.6000.00
Installation and connection of a three-pole machinePC.7000.00
Installation and connection of a two-pole RCD, DIF machinePC.6000.00
Installation and connection of a four-pole RCD, DIF machinePC.8000.00
Installation and connection of UZM (protection against voltage surges)PC.8000.00
Installation on a DIN rail and connection of a contactor, magnetic starterPC.8000.00
Cable extension in electrical panelPC.2400.00
Installation and connection of a single-phase electric meterPC.9000.00
Installation and connection of a three-phase electric meterPC.18000.00
Installation of DIN rail in electrical panelPC.1200.00
Installation of the zero and ground bus on a DIN railPC.1200.00
Installation of overhead (mounted) panel up to 24 modulesPC.6000.00
Installation of an overhead (mounted) panel from 36 modulesPC.9000.00
Installation of an internal (built-in) panel of up to 24 modules in a finished nichePC.9000.00
Installation of an internal (built-in) panel of 36 modules in a finished nichePC.13500.00
Repair work
Replacing a socket/switch in an old installation boxPC.3500.00
Replacing an old installation box for a socket/switchPC.2000.00
Repair, replacement of the power cable with plug on an electrical appliancePC.2500.00
Installation, replacement of the plug on the power cable of an electrical appliancePC.1200.00
Replacement of switch block for toilet/bath/kitchenPC.9000.00
Troubleshooting electrical wiringhour12000.00
Connecting a single-phase 220V power line in a switchboard on the landingPC.7000.00
Connecting a three-phase 380V power line in a switchboard on the landingPC.12000.00
Connecting TV lines in a switchboard on the landingPC.3900.00
Installation and connection of an antenna divider in an apartmentPC.4500.00
Installation and connection of an intercom (handset)PC.3000.00
Connecting a socket for temporary lightingPC.900
Connecting a temporary socket, switchPC.900
Continuity point (socket, switch, lamp, etc.)PC.2400.00
Diagnostics, overhaul and repair of existing junction boxPC.8500.00
Diagnostics, overhaul and repair of existing electrical panelPC.30000.00
Installation of temporary lighting and sockets on sitesq.m.500.00
Additional work
Installation (mounting) of a TV up to 28″ inches on the wallPC.9000
Installation (mounting) of a TV from 32″ to 40″ inches on the wallPC.13000
Installation (mounting) of a TV from 43″ to 50″ inches on the wallPC.19000
Installation (mounting) of a TV from 55″ to 65″ inches on the wallPC.25000
Installation (mounting) of a TV from 70″ inches on the wallPC.37000
Installation of heating cable for heated floors7000
Removal of construction waste after completion of work (by elevator)bag1500
Lifting a set of tools to the apartment (the elevator does not work or is missing)floor1000
Purchase and delivery of material to the site (up to 5,000 rubles)once6000
Purchase and delivery of material to the site (amount over 5,000 rubles)once12000
Installation of a cold water outlet with shut-off valvesPC.15000
Installation of a DHW water socket with shut-off valvesPC.15000
Installation of sewer outletPC.5000
Installation of retro wiring
Laying retro wires on insulatorsm.p.1500
Installation and connection of a retro socketPC.4500
Installation and connection of a retro switchPC.4500
Installation and installation of retro junction boxPC.7500
Dismantling works
Dismantling a machine, RCD, DIF machine, etc.PC.1500
Dismantling an electric meter (single-phase, three-phase)PC.3500
Removing the socket, dismantling the switch, etc.PC.1200
Dismantling exposed electrical wiring, dismantling cablesp.m.400
Dismantling the plastic cable channelp.m.600
Removing a wall lampPC.2500
Dismantling a ceiling lamp, chandelierPC.3000
Total: 0 ₽
Working in cramped conditions
Works in the Leningrad region
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